Timing device



Sept. 26, 1967 N. F. GREEN TIMING DEVICE s Shets-Sheet 1 Filed May .7, 1965 OUTPUT DEVICE 55 DRIVE MEANS FIG. I

2 I I w I 2 I INVIENTOK.

I NORMAN E GREEN Aha:

' ATTORNEYv Sept. 26, 1967 w ,N. F. GREEN 3,343,424

I TIMIING DEVICE Filed May 7,-1965 r 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 PIC-3.4

:4 8 W I I 1 INVENTOR. NORMAN F. GREEN ATTORNEY Sept. 26, 1967 N. F. GREEN 3,343,424

TIMING DEVICE Filed May 7, 1965 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 LO 9' E Q N Q E I g9 INVENTOR. r I NORMAN F. GREEN ATTORN E Y United States Patent 3,343,424 TIMING DEVICE Norman F. Green, Minneapolis, Minn., assignor to Honeywell Inc., Minneapolis, Minn., a corporation of Delaware Filed May 7, 1965, Ser. No. 453,904 12 Claims. (CI. 7425) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A mechanical timing device comprising mechanism for converting rotary motion to reciprocating linear motion, the mechanism being engaged to a means for pumping fluid between two chambers through a restricted passage, whereby the time period of the reciprocating cycle is regulated.

This invention generally relates to a mechanical mechanism for converting rotary motion to reciprocating linear motion, and more specifically relates to a timing device in which a rotary to reciprocating linear motion converting device is used to pump fluid between two chambers through a restricted passage to thereby regulate the rate of movement of driving means for said motion converting device.

Broadly speaking, all mechanical timing devices include driving means, speed regulating means and output means. A typical driving means is a coiled spring that will provide an unregulated source of energy to establish either linear or rotary motion in a mechanical member. Since the driving means is unregulated as to the time period over which the energy is expended, speed regulating means are required to dissipate the energy at a controlled rate. In a clock the speed regulating means is a mechanical escapement mechanism that determines the speed at which the coiled spring can unwind. In many simple timing devices the coiled spring acts against a piston to drive fluid through an orifice at a controlled rate. In all cases, some form of output means are necessary to indicate, display, or transmit a signal representative of elapsed time.

The present invention is an improved timing device of the type disclosed in the Hyde Patent 3,063,297 that issued November 13, 1962. Hyde discloses atiming device having a hydraulic escapement apparatus to control the rate at which a coiled spring unwinds. The Hyde timing device is rather unique as compared to prior art fluid timing devices since the length of the timed period obtainable from the device is not limited by the amount of fluid or the'rate at which the fluid is forced through an orifice.'In prior art fluid timing devices, a quantity of fluid was forced through an orifice in a single direction. After the supply of fluid was exhausted, no further speed regulation was obtainable without resetting the device.

..The Hyde timingdevice includes a pair of closed chambers connected by a restricted passage. Each chamber has a flexible wall, and a quantity of fluid is located in the chambers. ,To obtain speed regulation of unlimited time duration, the flexible walls are alternately forced into the chambers by suitable driving means to pump the fluid back and forth through the restricted passage. The timed period available from the device is thus limited only by the amount of energy available in the driving means.

To pump the fluid between the chambers, the rotational motion provided by the coiled spring must be converted to reciprocating linear motion. Hydes rotary to linear motion converting device includes an escapement wheel and an escapement arm. Rotation of the escapement wheel by the coiled spring causes the escapement arm to reciprocate about a pivot member. This reciprocation of the pivot arm is used to pump the fluid.

The present invention is directed to an improved mechanical mechanism for converting the rotary motion of a driving means to the reciprocating linear motion necessary to pump the fluid between the chambers. The invention also provides an improved and more compact structure for accommodating the chambers and restricted passage.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention a hollow drum is rotated about an axis by an appropriate driving means. The interior surface of the drum has an annular cam surface formed at each end thereof. Mounted within the drum for reciprocating axial motion along the axis is a spool having an inclined ramp surface formed at each end. A plurality of ball members are mounted for radial movement in a suitable frame. A separate group of the ball members lie adjacent each end of the drum between the cam surface and the ramp surface. Upon rotation of the drum, the first cam surface drives the first group of ball members against the adjacent ramp surface to drive the spool in a first direction. When the high points on the first cam surface are reached to complete the axial motion of the spool in the first direction, the second cam surface begins to drive a second group of ball members against the second ramp surface to drive the spool in a second direction. Continuous rotation of the drum results in axial reciprocation of the spool.

The spool has an axial opening therein connecting the ends. Attached to each end of the spool is a flexible diaphragm. Each diaphragm is sealed to the spool to form' two closed chambers connected by the axial opening in the spool.

A quantity of fluid is located in the chambers and fluid restrictor means are mounted in' the axial opening. Appropriate end covers are mounted on the frame to alternately force the diaphragms against the spool as the spool moves to the limit of its travel in each direction. The

diaphragms thus alternately deflate to pump the fluid from one chamber to the other through the fluid restrictor is capable of operating reliably after withstanding the force of impact of an air dropped munition.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a compact and rugged rotary to reciprocating linear motion converting device to pump fluid back and forth from one chamber to another through a restricted passage to regulate the speed of operation of a driving means, thus providing a time reference.

Other objects of the invention will become apparent when considered in view of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the preferred embodiment of this invention taken along the axis of rotation of the drum;

FIGURE 2 is a view taken along line 22 of FIG- URE 1 with the ball members shown in their innermost positions in the slots in the frame member, and with the spool removed;

FIGURE 3 is a view taken along line 33 of FIGURE 1, with the ball members shown in their outermost positions in the slots, with the spool removed;

FIGURE 4 is an expanded isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGURES 59 disclose a schematic representation of the device shown in FIGURE 1, with the ball members and spool shown at various positions throughout the full distance through which the spool travels.

Referring now to FIGURE 1, there is disclosed a sectional side view of the preferred embodiment of my invention. The timing device includes a first housing member and a second housing member 11 connected by a threaded connection at 12. Attached by a threaded connection to the end of housing member 10 is an end cover 13. Attached to the end of housing member 11 is an end cover 14. Housing members 10 and 11 when connected form a unitary housing having a generally cylindrical chamber therein. Defining the ends of this chamber are a first frame member 16 having an axial opening or bore therein, and a second frame member 17 also having an axial opening or bore therein. As disclosed in FIGURES 1 and 2, frame member 16 has a concave surface 18 formed therein concentrically with the central opening. Frame member 17 also has a concave surface 19 formed therein concentrically with the central opening as shown in FIGURE 3.

Mounted for rotation in the chamber between frame member 16 and frame member 17 is a cylindrical drum 21 having an axial opening therein. Formed in the ends of drum 21 concentrically with the central opening or bore are a pair of grooves 22 and 23. The walls of the grooves adjacent the bore are constructed as a pair of hub members 24 and 26 that are journalled in the central openings in frame members 16 and 17 respectively. Hub members 24 and 26 can also be seen in FIGURES 2 and 3. Drum 21 is thus rotatable within the frame about an axis extending through the openings in frame members 16 and 17. v

The wall of each groove 22 and 23 in drum 21 opposite the bore is formed as an annular cam surface. The cam surface is defined by a plurality of equally spaced indentations formed radially in the wall of each groove as at 27 and 28, for example. The outline of cam surface 27 is disclosed in phantom in FIGURE 2. The outline of cam surface 28 is disclosed in phantom in FIG- URE 3.

Mounted for axial reciprocation within the bore of drum 21 is a spool 29 having a first frusto-conical end portion 31 and a second frusto-conical end portion 32 connected by a central cylindrical bearing portion 33. Spool 29 has an axial opening formed through end portion 31, central portion 33, and end portion 32. Mounted within the opening in spool 29 are a pair of sintered metal fluid restrictors 34 and 35.

A flexible diaphragm 36 is sealed around the periphery thereof to end portion 31. A flexible diaphragm 37 is similarly sealed around the periphery thereof to end portion 32. Diaphragms 36 and 37 thus define a pair of closed chambers connected by the opening in spool 29. A quantity of fluid, either gas or liquid, is located in the chambers.

Referring now to FIGURE 2, there is disclosed the fact that frame member 16 has three equally spaced radial slots 38, 39, and 40 formed therein extending from the central opening. Referring to FIGURE 3, it can be seen that frame member 17 has three similar slots 41, 42 and 43 formed therein. Three ball members 44, 45, and 46 are mounted for radial movement within slots 38, 39, and 40, respectively. Similarly, three ball members 47, 48, and 49 are mounted for radial movement within slots 41, 42, and 43, respectively. Each slot allows radial movement of the ball member with respect to the central opening but prevents the ball from rotating with the drum.

The side of end portion 32 of spool 29 adjacent camsurface 27 is formed as an annular convex conical ramp surface that corresponds in size to the concave conical surface formed in frame member 16. End portion 31 of spool 29 is for-med in similar fashion. As spool is reciprocated with respect to drum 21, each convex end portion 31 and 32 fits into the corresponding concave surfaces of frame members 16 and 17 Mounted on the outside of housing 10 is a drive means 51. Drive means 51 is connected to a drive gear 52 by a shaft 53. Rotation of drive means 51, which could be a coiled spring, thus causes rotation of drive gear 52. Formed around the periphery of drum 21 are a plurality of gear teeth 54 that correspond in size to the gear teeth on drive gear 52. Drive gear 52 meshes with gear teeth 54 to cause rotation of drum 21. The rotation of drive gear 52 is also transmitted to an output device 55 through a shaft 56. Output device 55 will indicate, display, or transmit information as to the number of rotations of drive gear 52.

OPERATION (FIGURE 1) The preferred embodiment of my invention as disclosed in FIGURES 1, 2, and 3 operates as follows. Drive means 51 causes rotation of drum 21 through drive gear 52. Drive means 51, norm-ally a coil spring, would normally dissipate its energy immediately upon being released. The purpose of the present invention is to regulate the speed at which the energy is dissipated. In the static condition shown in FIGURES 1, 2, and 3, cam surface 27 has ball members 44, 45, and 46 to their innermost positions in the corresponding slots. Ball members 44, 45, and 46 have thus been forced against the inclined ramp surface of end portion 32 to drive spool 29 to the full limit of its travel in a first direction. At the same time, the ball members adjacent cam surface 28 have receded into the indentations therein to allow end portion 31 to move into the concave surface of frame member 17. At this point, diaphragm 37 has been forced against end portiton 32 by end cover 13 to drive the fluid therein through restrictors 34 and 35 into the chamber formed by diaphragm 36.

If drum 21 is now rotated, cam surface 28 will begin to drive ball members 47, 48, and 49 toward the central opening in frame member 17 as guided by their respective slots. At the same time, ball members 44, 45, and 46 are allowed to recede into the indentations of cam surface 27. Ball members 47, 48, and 49 are thus forced against the ramp surface of end portion 31 to drive spool 29 to a second position adjacent end cover 14. As spool 29 moves to the second position adjacent end cover 14, the ramp surface on end portion 32 drives ball members 44, 45, and 46 into the indentations on cam surface 27. At the same time, the fluid in the chamber formed by diaphragm 36 is forced through restrictors 34 and 35 into the now expanding chamber formed by diaphragm 37.

It is noted that cam surfaces 27 and 28 are offset with respect to each other so that each position of deepest indentation in one cam surface along a given radial line corresponds to a position of no indentation in the other cam surface. When spool 29 reaches the limit of its travel toward end cover 14, cam surfaces 27 and 28 reverse their roles to drive spool 29 in the opposite direction. Constant rotation of drum 21 thus results in axial reciprocation of spool 29. Axial reciprocation of spool 29 results in the pumping of fluid back and forth between the two chambers through restrictors 34 and 35. This pumping of fluid offers a resistance to the drive means to regulate the speed of rotation thereof.

The operation of the spool and ball members can easily be seen in FIGURES 5-9. FIGURES 5-9 are intended to show not the complete structure but only the sequence of events as the spool is reciprocated. In FIGURE 5, the spool has been forced to a first position corresponding to the position of the spool disclosed in FIGURE 1. The first group of ball members have been forced to their innermost positions by the cam surface (not shown) to drive the spool to the first position. At the same time, the ramp surface on the other end of the spool has forced the other group of ball members outwardly as shown. In FIGURE 6, the spool has begun its movement to the second position. As can be seen in FIGURES 6 through 9, the two groups of ball members gradually reverse their positions to force the spool to the second position at the other end. In FIGURE 9 the spool has reached the second position and the two groups of ball members have completely reversed their positions as compared to FIG- URE 5. At this point, the same sequence of events would occur to drive the spool back to the first position shown in FIGURE 5.

OPERATION (FIGURE 4) In FIGURE 4 there is disclosed an exploded isometric view of an alternate embodiment of'my invention. A driving means 60 causes rotation of a pair of drums 61 and 62. Drums 61 and 62 each have a convolute cam surface such as 63 formed in the inner wall thereof. Drums 61 and 62 rotate around a fixed frame member 64 having a central axial opening 65 therein. A plurality of ball members 66, 67, and 68 are mounted in a corresponding number of radial slots 70, 71, and 72 formed in the end of frame member 64. The slots permit radial movement of the ball members but prevent angular movement thereof. A similar set of ball members would be mounted in similar slots at the opposite end of frame member 64. Mounted for axial reciprocation within opening 65 is a spool having a first end portion 75, a central bearing portion 76, and a second end portion 77.

I As drive member 60 rotates drum 61, cam surface 63 will force the ball members into the slots against the sloping undersurface of. end portion 75. This will force end portion 75 upwardly to compress a bellows assembly 78. Thefluid contained in bellows 78 .will' be forced through a. passage 79. and fluid restrictor means 80 into asecond bellows assembly 81. Bellows assembly 81 will expand to accommodate the fluid as end portion 77 moves upwardly. Bellows assembly 78, frame member 64, and bellows assembly 81 areall fixed to a common housing as indicated by line 82.

As drum 61 rotates from the position shown in FIG- URE 4, the ball members at the other end of housing 64 (notshown) will be driven into the slots therein under the influence of the cam surface on drum 62. The ball members at that end will then force against the inclined ramp Again, while the ball members at one end are moving inwardly, the ball members at the other end are moving outwardly. The direction of movement of the ball members changes periodically to cause axial reciprocation of the spool assembly. The pumping action of the fluid through restrictor means 80 regulates the speed of rotation of drive means 60. Suitable output means can be attached to measure the desired time period.

The basic components of this invention are as follows. A spool assembly or other member mounted for axial reciprocation is required. There must be a movable cam means mounted adjacent the axially reciprocable member. A force transfer member must be mounted between the cam member and the reciprocable member. The force transfer member can be a spherical ball but this is not necessary to the invention. A more elongated member could be utilized in some configurations. Means must be provided for limiting the movement of the force transfer 7 members to a predetermined path. The reciprocable member must have an inclined surface thereon against which the force transfer members operate. The movement of the force transfer members against the inclined ramp surface will cause axial movement of the reciprocable member. Once the reciprocable member has reached the limit of its travel in one direction, means must be provided to return the member to the original position. These means can be in the form of a complementary set of cam means, force transfer members, guide means and ramp means. In some applications, however, a simple spring might be utilized to return the reciprocable member to the original position.

In the embodiments of the invention disclosed in the drawings, a fluid delay means has been utilized to regulate the speed of the driving means. In some applications, however, other means of damping the axial movement of the spool might be utilized.

Certain other changes in design might occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Although the form of the invention described herein constitutes a preferred embodiment, it will be understood that these and other changes may be made within the spirit of the invention. I therefore intend to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A timing device, comprising: a drum having first and second opposing ends thereon, an axial bore connecting said ends, and first and second annular grooves formed in said corresponding ends concentric with said bore; a wall of said first and second grooves adjacent said bore being constructed as a hub member extending from the periphery of said bore, and a wall of said first and second grooves opposite said bore having a plurality of equally spaced indentations formed radially therein to define first and second cam surfaces, said cam surfaces being offset with respect to each other so that each position of deepest indentation in said first groove along a given radial line corresponds to a position of no indentation in said second groove; first and second frame members each having formed therein a central opening with a diameter equal to the outside diameter of said hub members and each having a plurality of equally spaced correspondingly positioned slots formed therein extending radially from said opening, said frame members each having a concave surface formed therein concentrically with said opening; means connecting said first and second frame members to form a unitary frame having said concave surfaces at opposing ends thereof, said drum being mounted for rotation between said frame members with said hub members journalled in said openings in said frame members and said first and second cam surfaces surrounding said corresponding plurality of radial slots; a spool having first and second end portions connected by a central bearing portion of reduced cross section, said end portions each having a flat outer surface and a convex inner surface, said spool having an axial opening formed through said central portion and said end portions, said central portion being journalled for axial movement in said bore with said end portions extending from opposite ends of said frame; means mounted on said frame for rotating said drum; a single ball member located in each of said radial slots, said ball members in said first frame member being driven toward said opening by said first cam surface upon rotation of said drum to thereby force said ball members against said convex inner surface of said first end portion to cause axial movement of said spool in a first direction, said ball members in said second frame member being driven at the same instant into said indentations on said second cam surface by said convex inner surface of said second end portion, said cam surfaces upon further rotation of said drum causing said ball members to periodically reverse their direction of movement in said slots to cause axial reciprocation of said spool; a pair of flexible diaphragms, each of said diaphragms being sealed around the periphery thereof to said flat outer surface of a corresponding end portion to form a pair of chambers connected by said axial opening in said spool; a quantity of fluid located in said chambers; fluid restrictor means mounted in said axial opening in said spool; an end cover mounted over each end portion on opposite ends of said frame to alternately force said diaphragrms against said end portions as said spool is reciprocated, said fluid thereby being pumped from one chamber to the other through said restrictor means, the speed of rotation of said drum being regulated by the speed at which said fluid is forced through said restrictor means; and means for detecting a predetermined number of rotations of said drum.

2. A timing device, comprising: a housing member having a chamber therein with opposing flat ends located perpendicular to a first axis; a frame member fixedly mounted in said chamber having a bore formed longitudinally therein along said first axis and having first and second concave conical shaped ends formed concentrically with said bore, said frame member having at least three equally spaced radial slots formed in each of said ends extending from said bore to the periphery of said frame member; a hollow drum having opposite open ends being mounted on said frame member for rotation about said first axis, said drum having an inner wall at each end thereof located adjacent said radial slots in said frame member, said inner wall adjacent said first end having a plurality of evenly spaced indentations formed therein to define a first annular convolute cam surface, said inner Wall adjacent said second end having a similar second cam surface formed therein, a position of deepest indentation on said first cam surface along a given radial line corresponding to a position of smallest indentation on said second cam surface along the same radial line; a single ball member mounted in each of said radial slots; a spool having first and second end portions connected by a central bearing portion of reduced cross section, said end portions each having a con vex conical surface corresponding in size to said concave conical ends of said frame member connecting said end portion to said central bearing portion, said spool having an axial opening formed through said central portion and said end portions, said central portion being journalled for axial movement in said bore with said end portions extending from opposite ends of said frame member; a flexible diaphragm sealed around the periphery thereof to said outer surface of each end portion to form first and second chambers connected by said axial opening in said spool; a quantity of fluid located in said chambers; fluid restrictor means mounted in said axial opening; means for rotating said drum; said ball members in said first end being driven by said first cam surface against said conical inner surface of said first end portion upon rotation of said drum to drive said spool against said flat end of said housing member to drive said fluid from said first chamber to said second chamber, said second cam surface upon further rotation of said drum driving said ball members in said second end against said conical inner surface of said second end portion to drive said spool in the opposite direction to force said fluid from said second chamber to said first chamber, the axial reciprocation of said spool regulating the speed at which said drum can be rotated; and means for detecting a predetermined number of rotations of said drum.

3. A speed regulating device, comprising: a housing member having a chamber therein with opposing closed ends; a frame member fixedly mounted in said chamber having a bore formed therein, said frame member having first and second opposite concave ends formed concentrically with said bore, said frame member having a plurality of equally spaced slots formed in each of said ends extending radially from said bore; a hollow drum having opposite open ends being mounted for rotation about said frame member, said drum having an inner wall at each end thereof located adjacent said radial slots in said frame member, said inner wall adjacent said first end having a plurality of evenly spaced indentations formed therein to define a first cam surface, said inner Wall adjacent said second end having a similar second carn surface formed therein, said cam surfaces being offset with respect to each other so that when the indentations in said first cam surface are in line with said radial slots in said first end the indentations in said second cam surface are out of line with said slots in said second end; a single ball member mounted for radial movement in each of said slots; a spool having first and second end portions connected by a central bearing portion of reduced cross section, said end portions each having a convex inner surface corresponding in size to said concave ends of said frame member, said spool having an axial opening formed through said central portion and said end portions, said central portion being journalled for axial movement in said bore with said end portions extending from opposite ends of said frame member; flexible diaphragm means sealed to each end portion to form first and second chambers connected by said axial opening in said spool; a quantity of fluid located in said chambers; fluid restrictor means mounted in said axial opening; and means for rotating said drum; said ball members in said first end being driven by said first cam surface against said convex inner surface of said first end portion upon rotation of said drum to drive said spool against said end of said housing member to drive said fluid from said first chamber to said second chamber, said second cam surface upon further rotation of said drum driving said ball members in said second end against said convex inner surface of said second end portion to drive said spool in the opposite direction to force said fluid from said second chamber to said first chamber, the axial reciprocation of said spool regulating the speed at which said drum is rotating.

4. A speed regulating device, comprising: a spool having first and second frusto-conical end portions joined at the small bases by a cylindrical central portion, said spool having an axial opening extending through said central portion and said end portions; flexible diaphragm means sealed to the periphery of the large bases of each of said end portions to form a pair of chambers connected by said axial opening; a quantity of fluid located in said chambers; fluid restrictor means mounted in said axial opening; a frame member having a bore therein; said central portion being journalled in said bore for axial movement of said spool; said frame including means to limit the axial movement of said spool in each direction to cause alternate deflation of said chambers upon reciprocation of said spool; first and second groups of equally spaced ball members mounted in said frame member surrounding said first and second end portions respectively; means for limiting the movement of each of said ball members along a radial line extending from said end portion in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of said spool; and cam means mounted on said frame member for alternately driving said first and second groups of ball members against said corresponding end portion to cause axial reciprocation of said spool, said fluid thereby being forced back and forth between said first and second chambers to regulate the speed at which said cam means can be driven.

5. A delay device, comprising: a spool having first and second end portions joined by a central portion of smaller cross section, said end portions each flaring out from said central portion to define first and second annular ramp surfaces, said spool having an axial opening extending through said central portion and said end portions; diaphragm means sealed to each of said end portions to form a pair of chambers connected by said axial opening; a quantity of fluid located in said chambers; fluid restrictor means mounted in said axial opening; a frame member having a bore therein; said central portion being journalled in said bore for axial movement of said spool; means for causing alternate deflation of said chambers upon reciprocation of said spool; first and second groups of ball members mounted in said frame member surrounding said first and second ramp surfaces respectively; means on said frame member for limiting the movement of each of said ball members along a line extending radially from said end portion in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of movement of said spool; and movable cam means mounted on said frame member for alternately driving said first and second groups of ball members against said ramp surface of said corresponding end portion to cause axial reciprocation of said spool, said fluid thereby being forced back and forth between said first and second chambers to regulate the speed at which said cam means can be driven.

6. A speed regulating device, comprising: a spool having first and second frusto-conical end portions joined at the small bases by a cylindrical central portion, said spool having an axial opening extending through said central portion and said end portions; a frame member having a bore therein; said central portion being journalled in said bore for limited axial movement of said spool; first and second groups of equally spaced ball members mounted in said frame member surrounding said first and second end portions respectively; means for limiting the movement of each of said ball members along a radial line extending from said end portion in a direction generaly perpendicular to the direction of movement of said spool; driven cam means mounted on said frame member for alternately driving said first and second groups of ball members against said corresponding end portion to cause axial reciprocation of said spool; and fluid delay means mounted in said frame to regulate the speed at which said first member can be reciprocated, said delay means including a pair of chambers having fluid therein and being connected by a restricted passage, said spool being adapted to pump said fluid back and forth between said chambers through said restricted passage.

7. A delay device, comprising: a frame; a first member mounted in said frame having first and second symmetrical ramp surfaces formed at opposite ends thereof, said first member being axially reciprocable along an axis extending through said opposite ends; at least one ball member movably mounted in said frame adjacent each of said ramp surf-aces; guide means on said frame for limiting the movement of each of said ball members along a line generally perpendicular to said axis; movable cam means mounted on said frame for alternately driving said ball members against said first and second ramp surfaces to cause axial reciprocation of said first member; first and second fluid housing means mounted in said frame and connected by fluid passage means having fluid restrictor means therein; a quantity of fluid in said fluid housing means; and means operable by the reciprocation of said first member to pump said fluid between said first 10 and second fluid housing means to regulate the speed at which said cam means is driven.

8. A delay device, comprising: a frame; a first member, having first and second opposite ends, mounted in said frame and having an inclined ramp surface formed on said first end, said first member being axially reciprocable between first and second positions along an axis extending through said opposite ends; at least one ball member movably mounted in said frame adjacent said ramp surface; guide means on said frame for limiting the movement of said ball member along a path generally perpendicular to said axis; driven cam means mounted on said frame for periodically driving said ball member against said ramp surface to drive said first member to said first position; means mounted on said frame for driving said first member to said second position after said first member reaches said first position; first and second' fluid housing means mounted in said frame and connected by fluid passage means having fluid restrictor means therein; a quantity of fluid in said fluid housing means; and means operable by the reciprocation of said first member to pump said fluid between said first and second fluid housing means to regulate the speed at which said cam means is driven.

9. A delay device, comprising: a frame; a first member having first and second symmetrical ramp surfaces formed at opposite ends thereof, said first member being axially reciprocable along an axis extending through said opposite ends; at least one movable force transfer member mounted in said frame adjacent each of said ramp surfaces; guide means on said frame for limiting the movement of each of said force transfer members to a predetermined path of travel; movable cam means mounted in said frame for alternately driving said force transfer members against said first and second ramp surfaces to cause axial reciprocation of said first member; first and second fluid housing means located in said frame and connected by fluid passage means having fluid restrictor means therein; a quantity of fluid in said fluid housing means; and means operable by the reciprocation of said first member to alternatley transfer said fluid back and forth between said first and second fluid housing means through said restrictor means at a predetermined rate to regulate the speed at which said cam means is driven.

10. A delay device, comprising: a frame; a first member mounted in said frame and having an inclined ramp surface formed thereon, said first member being movable between first and second positions; at least one force transfer member movably mounted in said frame adjacent said ramp surface; means for limiting the movement of said force transfer member along a predetermined path of travel; driving means for periodically driving said force transfer member against said ramp surface to drive said first member to said first position; means for driving said first member to said second position; fluid housing means having fluid restrictor means therein; a quantity of fluid in said fluid housing means; and means operable by the movement of said first member to pump said fluid through said restrictor means at a predetermined rate to regulate the speed at which said first member can be moved.

11. A delay device, comprising: a frame; a first member mounted in said frame having first and sec-0nd inclined ramp surfaces formed at opposite ends thereof, said first member being axially reciprocable along an axis extending through said opposite ends; at least one movable force transfer member mounted in said frame adjacent each of said ramp surfaces; guide means on said frame for limiting the movement of each of said force transfer members to a predetermined path of travel; movable cam means mounted on said frame for alternately driving said force transfer members against said first and second ramp surfaces to cause axial reciprocation of said first mem- 1 1 her; and means for delaying the movement of said first member in each direction. 7

12. A device for converting rotary motion to reciprocating linear motion, comprising: a frame; a first member mounted in said frame having first and second inclined ramp surfaces formed at opposite ends thereof, said first member being axially reciprocable along an axis extending through said opposite ends; at least one movable force transfer member mounted in said frame adjacent each of said ramp surfaces; guide means on said frame for limiting the movement of each of said force transfer members to a predetermined path of travel in a plane perpendicular to said axis; and movable cam means mounted in said frame for alternately driving said force transfer members against said first and second ramp 15 surfaces to cause axial reciprocation of said first member.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,490,449 12/ 1949 Lynch 7457 2,646,10Q 7/1953 Gibson 7456 2,776,539 1/1957 Pearson 173123 2,833,347 5/1958 Terry 188-16O 3,058,369 10/1962 Vogel 7455 3,254,741 6/1966 Green 188-100 FRED C. MATTERN, JR., Primary Examiner.

W. S. RATLIFF, Assistant Examiner. 

12. A DEVICE FOR CONVERTING ROTARY MOTION TO RECIPROCATING LINEAR MOTION, COMPRISING: A FRAME; A FIRST MEMBER MONTED IN SAID FRAME HAVING FIRST AND SECOND INCLINED RAMP SURFACES FORMED AT OPPOSITE ENDS THEREOF, SAID FIRST MEMBER BEING AXIALLY RECIPROCABLE ALONG AN AXIS EXTENDING THROUGH SAID OPPOSITE ENDS; AT LEAST ONE MOVABLE FORCE TRANSFER MEMBER MOUNTED IN SAID FRAME ADJACENT EACH OF SAID RAMP SURFACES; GUIDE MEANS ON SAID FRAME FOR LIMITING THE MOVEMENT OF EACH OF SAID FORCE TRANSFER MEMBERS TO A PREDETERMINED PATH OF TRAVEL IN A PLANE PERPENDICULAR TO SAID AXIS; AND MOVABLE CAM 